Revealing the Real Épernay: 9 Things to Know before Visiting

1. Avenue de Champagne: Discover Épernay’s Most Famous UNESCO Street

The Avenue de Champagne is one of the most famous in the world. With champagne at the heart of Épernay, it’s hardly surprising that the city is home to one of the most exclusive streets in the world. Perhaps it’s not as eponymous as the Hollywood Boulevard, but The Avenue de Champagne probably files in third place, behind the Champs-Élysées.  

Stretching for more than one kilometre, the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne’s concourse gives rise to the most extravagant buildings. The palace-like mansions are home to some of the biggest names in the champagne industry and feature courtyards, gates and landscaped gardens. Moët & Chandon, Collard-Picard and Mercier, all having premises on the avenue.

2. Beneath Épernay: Exploring the Champagne Cellars and Hidden Tunnels

There’s just as much to see below ground as above. The Avenue de Champagne is as prestigious at a subterranean level as it is above ground. Over 200 million bottles of champagne are stored in cellars beneath your feet! The underground caverns were almost blown to bits during the departure of the Nazis at the end of World War II, but the swift arrival of the allies saved the champagne. 
 
Dug into the chalk soil are huge caverns filled with bottles of champagne that tunnel deep into the darkness. Visitors to Épernay should make sure they don’t miss an opportunity to visit a cellar beneath the Avenue de Champagne to taste the most exclusive champagnes. Make sure you bring a sweater though, as it’s cooler when you descend underground! 

3. Dom Pérignon’s Legacy: The Monk Who Revolutionised Champagne

Perhaps you’ve heard of Dom Pérignon in relation to champagne, but you might not know his ‘day job’ was as a monk at the Abbey of Hautvillers. Pérignon lived at the abbey from 1668, restoring the vineyards and using ingenious techniques to ensure that both the recipe for champagne and its bottling was perfected. 
 
In the cold climate of northern France, champagne’s flavour is dictated by the fact the grapes never fully ripen. Dom Pérignon championed the use of the pinot noir grape and invented the second fermentation process we associate with champagne making. During the seventeenth century, champagne bottles also had a habit of spontaneously exploding! It was Dom Pérignon that invented new hemp corks that could contain the carbon dioxide build up in the glass bottles.

4. Habits de Lumières: Épernay’s Spectacular Winter Light Festival

The most extravagant light show is held in Épernay every December. Go out with a bang at the champagne celebrations! Habits de Lumières is held annually on a cold December weekend, coming to life in a festival of light. Video projections dance on the houses of the biggest names in champagne and there’s a firework display to bring in the festive season! 

Held over a weekend, the Saturday is a day for Michelin star chefs to create the piéce de resistance of French gastronomy, with guests able to taste the dishes. The Sunday is all about vintage vehicles and over 400 cars arrive to line the street. This festival has entertainment in abundance, from music and live shows to light installations. Don’t miss the pop-up champagne bars if you’re thirsty!

5. Pressoria Museum: A Unique Sensory Journey Through Champagne

There’s a museum dedicated to the sensory experience of champagne! If you’re a hardcore champagne fan then this experience may be for you. The Pressoria Museum is the only place in Épernay where visitors can enjoy a full sensory tour of champagne. From growing and harvesting to the drinking of champagne, the whole process of its creation is explored in depth at Pressoria. 
 
The galleries at this champagne museum are completely unique. Celebrating the UNESCO status of the champagne region, Pressoria takes you on an immersive and interactive journey through time to show you how champagne has been made. You’ll smell, hear, touch, see, and of course, taste champagne! The innovative indoor spaces allow you to use the technology, soak up immersive audio-visual projections, and you’ll be able to taste two different champagnes at the end.

6. Open-Air Museums in Épernay: Discover Vineyards, Views & Champagne Culture

If the weather is great, you can learn AND see the vineyards at Open Air Museums. On bright days, head to the Open Air Museums dotted around the many vineyards of Épernay. Throughout the region, you can feel the sun on your skin, breathe the fresh countryside air and learn about champagne. Visiting the vineyards is a fantastic outdoor experience, but you don’t have to miss out on the education offering from museums. 
 
Start at Chouilly to learn the locations of all the Open Air Museums. You’ll find out about pruning and cultivation and get a general overview about how grape vines grow. For panoramic views, Mount Bernon and Monthelon reveal how the landscapes of Épernay have been shaped by the champagne industry. From sculptures at Cumières to the champagne walk of fame at Mesnil-sur-Oger, there’s something to be learned at every step along the way!

7. Ancient Épernay: From Roman Roots to Champagne Capital

Épernay wasn’t about the champagne 2000 years ago! The Romans were the first people known to settle in Épernay during the 1st century AD. Originally named Gallia Belgica, the region Épernay is situated in was known as ‘Gaul’. The Romans built infrastructure to sustain a community, including baths, that were replaced by the current cathedral.  
 
Épernay was chosen to settle because of the chalky, fertile subsoil that made it good for growing food. The very first vineyards of Champagne were planted by the Romans, but the grapes were very dry, and the wines were only popular with locals! The settlers left behind archaeological artefacts, of which a selection are on display at the Museum of the wine of Champagne and regional Archaeology.

8. The Cubry River Legend: Ghost Stories Beneath Épernay’s Streets

The Cubry River has many stories to tell, including that of its famous ghost. The River is a small subsidiary of the Marne that runs through the heart of Épernay for 12 kilometres. It trickles from the forest of St Martin d’Ablois, passing through the villages of Moussy, Épernay and Pierry. Over the centuries, the Cubry river has been tamed to prevent flooding to the surrounding areas and it now flows underground through part of Épernay.  
 
The legend of the Belle du Cubry tells of the ghost of a young woman whose life was claimed by the river’s waters. The daughter of a lord, Alix was shamed by her father for a forbidden love affair that resulted in her dying in his arms. It is said that Alix still haunts the banks of the River Cubry every night and that any woman who approaches the river will be pulled into its depths. What a relief that so much of the River Cubry is now out of harm’s way beneath the surface of Épernay!

9. Best Photo Spots in Épernay: Scenic Views, Vineyards & Iconic Landmarks

Photographers and Influencers need pictures in these Épernay places. For the best photo opportunities in Épernay, there are a number of spots you shouldn’t miss. Of course, the Avenue de Champagne is a favourite for its many palaces and castles, but don’t miss the giant tethered Ballon d’ Épernay at the end of the street! During special evenings in the summer months, visitors can also enjoy mini festivals at the balloon with food, champagne and concerts. 
 
Adventurous visitors may want to go hiking, climbing or biking for the best views of Épernay. For those looking to wander somewhere closer to the city centre, ascend the Champagne de Castellane Tower to see the Avenue from above.  For incredible sunset views, Mont Bernon offers panoramic views of the entire town and its surrounding vineyards. 

Discover Épernay in Style: Plan Your Champagne Journey

Épernay is far more than just the Avenue de Champagne—it’s a destination rich in history, culture, and unforgettable experiences, from the grandeur of the Avenue de Champagne to the stories hidden beneath its streets and vineyards. Whether you’re drawn by world-class tastings, fascinating heritage, or picture-perfect landscapes, this iconic region promises something truly special at every turn.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Get in touch with us today to learn more about the Champagne region and secure your place aboard Kir Royale—your gateway to discovering Épernay in style and comfort.